Back to School never tasted so good Thursday night during an after hours networking event at the Washington Street Education Center.
Business owners learned about the unique role that the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce plays in the community to cross promote the activities and resources of its membership.
“The Chelsea District Schools and the Chelsea Area Senior Center are two of the chamber’s long-time collaborators and partners,” said Bob Pierce, executive director of the chamber.
“There’s a great synergy between the two and we are delighted to facilitate this special, back to school, business after-hours event,” he said.
About 35 people were able to learn about the available meeting space and catering offered by the school district’s food services department — and taste some of its menu items that range from soups, salads and sandwiches, to breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees and food bars.
Did I mention the sweet treats and beverages?
Julie Deppner, executive director of instruction, told the crowd that the school district usually focuses on the educational side of its services, but at this event, staff wanted “to showcase everything outside the realm of K-12 education from its full catering services, to the rental of its facilities, its community education offerings and athletics.”
In addition, Deppner spotlighted two of its long-time renters — Ballet Chelsea and the senior center.
Trinh Pifer, executive director of the senior center, let everyone know that volunteers were needed for Meals on Wheels, which delivers meals to residents who are homebound. On Oct.1, this service will be run by the senior center, which will be responsible for getting meals to residents as well as “congregate meals” served in the senior center.
“On behalf of the Chelsea District Schools, and especially the athletic department, I’d like to thank the Chelsea area businesses for all of their support for our programs,” said Jeremy Barkey, athletic director.
The chamber hosts about 15 networking events each year in different business locations, Pierce said.
